Cusco Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 3 Days

Day 1: CUSCO CITY TOUR

Upon your arrival in Cusco, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. There you will receive a short briefing and will have time in the morning to acclimate to the altitude.

In the afternoon, our trek leader will impart to you the local knowledge and the history of our Imperial City of Cusco.  Continuing on, you will visit the Santo Domingo Convent built over the “Koricancha”, an ancient Inca Palace and the main worship center of the Sun God.

Our tour continues to the unmatched and mesmerizing archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman (some pronounce it “Sexy-Women” lol) and it’s military Inca architecture that overshadows the city.

Finally, we explore the archaeological sites of Qenqo, Pucapucara, and Tambomachay, located in the northeast part of the city.  Then, we’ll take you back to your hotel by early evening.

Day 2: CUSCO – PISAC – MORAY – SALT MINE – OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES

Pick-up at your hotel in Cusco or Sacred Valley (7:00 a.m.).  On the way to Pisac, we’ll do a quick stop at the lookouts for a breathtaking view of the Valley of Urubamba.   Reaching Pisac, we’ll park at the heart of the town where there is a colorful market place and to enjoy free time to interact with the local artisans and purchase hand-made souvenirs for your loved ones back home. Then, onward to the archeological site of Pisac, perched in the safety of its mountain nest.  Here you’ll take in the great and unique ancient tombs, terraces, watchtowers, and religious areas. Afterward, we will continue to the village of Urubamba for lunch.

Next stop, the Archeological site of Moray (a.k.a.) “The Greenhouse of the Incas”.  You’ll be fascinated by this gigantic carved bowl.  This evolutionary terrace allowed the Incas to optimize crop yield by comprehending the micro-climates (makes you wonder how much further in crop science they would have advanced if not interrupted by the Spaniard colonist).

After our visit to Moray, we move forward to the colonial town of Maras, ascending our downhill to the pre-Inca salt mine.  A hot spring at the top of the valley discharges a small stream of heavily salt-laden water, which is diverted into salt pools and evaporated to produce natural salt that is used for human and animal consumption.

Finally, we drive to Ollantaytambo, where we have time to explore an age-old village. Then, we will take the train (7:00 p.m.) to Aguas Calientes where we will spend the night in our reserved hotel.

Day 3: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

This 3rd day is the whole reason you came to Peru.  You’ll need to start-off right – breakfast (5:00 a.m.) at the hotel. Afterward, you’ll board the bus to Machu Picchu, which will take approx. 25 minutes to reach (door open 6:00 a.m.). Please be sure to bring your original passport to show the Rangers (you can get a Machu Picchu seal on your passport).

Your guide will take you to the best places in Machu Picchu, while you enjoy the sunrise (depending on the weather).

Then you will have a two hour guided tour.  Following, you’ll have an opportunity to explore Machu Picchu on your own.

• If you have reserved a visit to “HUAYNAPICHHU” (tickets $ 25.00 per person/limited to 400 per day – not included), you’ll begin your hike at 7:00 – 10:00 a.m., please coordinate with the Tour Guide for your visit depending on Municipality’s programmed time.

In the afternoon, you’ll catch the train to reach the City of Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival to Ollantaytambo, we will have transportation waiting to drive you back to your hotel in Cusco.

Note:      Rangers don’t allow people to carry bags bigger than 25 liters when entering Machu Picchu

No trekking poles are allowed in Machu Picchu

Snacks and water are allowed – in bags.